Jello Skin Is Everywhere—But What Does It Actually Mean?

Jello Skin Beauty Trend

The Tik Tok trend started by beauty influencer Ava Lee has everyone is talking about Jello Skin. What does jello skin mean and how do you get it?

It all started when Ava said her skin bounced back like jello after getting a facial. Everyone went nuts and now the term has entered our beauty vernacular.

It is amazing how quickly these skin care beauty trends catch on with social media and how they have such a strong influence.

Have you ever noticed that once something has drawn your attention, you see it everywhere? That happened for me with the Jello skin concept. I just read the book Dune and the Fremen on the desert planet Dune value water more than anything else. They refer to others that have “water plump skin” which is a desirable trait in the book When I came to that part in Frank Herbert’s book, meaning you can afford to buy water on the desert planet. I immediately thought “They mean jello skin!” -LOL- which shows that Tik Tok beauty trends can even influence a dermatologist’s vocabulary.

But what does it mean to have water plump skin or jello skin?

What is the definition of jello skin?

What is the Definition of Jello Skin?

Obviously “Jell-O skin” is a metaphor more than a scientific term meant to give imagery of “plump hydrated skin” bursting with a surplus of water.

To understand jello skin, you need to know a bit about how your skin holds onto water.

I have seen others say that jello skin indicates a large amount of collagen in the skin, however that is not correct. Collagen does give skin strength, but it is water in the skin that gives skin the plump jello feel. Skin care ingredients that boost collagen production won’t give you jello skin. Keep reading to learn what will!

hyaluronic acid

How skin holds onto water

For skin to have the plump, taught hydrated feel, it must hold onto water. You skin can do this several ways:

Water is held inside the skin cells with Natural Moisturizing Factor

Water is held between skin cells with glycosaminoglycans like hyaluronic acid and heparan sulfate

Water moves between cells through Aquaporin channels

All three of these need to work well or you can end up with a dry skin type.

Glycosaminoglycans

Glycosaminoglycans (also called GAGs) are sugars in the skin that bind water. Just like a sponge soaks up water, GAGs do the same for our skin, making it look fresh and feel soft. GAGs play a very important role in making skin plump, cell communication, and helping stimulate skin cells to make collagen. (Loss of collagen is a cause of aging skin).

When GAGS bind a lot of water, the skin feels plumper, has more volume and is smooth.

Natural Moisturizing Factor

The Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) is a group of water-binding compounds found in the inside of skin cells on the top layer of the skin. Its main job is to help the skin stay hydrated. NMF is primarily made up of amino acids, but it also includes PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), lactates, salts, sugars, and urea. These components attract and hold onto water, ensuring the skin’s top layer remains moisturized. When NMF binds water, it can plump skin cells making skin look tighter and more jello-like.

differences between glass and jello skin

Difference Between Glass Skin and Jello skin

Glass skin is smooth with a thin, compact stratum corneum (the top, outermost layer of skin).It reflects like making skin glow and appear radiant. It may even look shiny. Exfoliators give you glass skin.

Jello skin feels firm and soft and is not as radiant as glass skin. Jello skin has a plump, healthy hydrated appearance while glass skin can look fake and doll-like. If you get too much Botox (Botulinum toxin) and have a frozen forehead, that can give you glass skin.

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can give you jello skin.

The Scientific Meaning of Jello Skin

The scientific term for jello skin is actually a combination of two rheologic term used in physics to measure the viscoelastic properties of the skin. This terms are known as- G’ (G Prime) and G’’ (G prime prime). We use these terms in dermatology to describe the differences in dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm.[1]

G’ is the elastic modulus. It represents the force needed to deform the skin.

G’’ reflects the ability of the skin to recover its shape after a deforming force.

The ratio of G’’ / G’ is the elasticity of the skin.

What is the Difference Between Cloudless Skin and Jello Skin?

Cloudless skin refers to clear blemish free complexion.

Getting on the correct skin care routine for your Baumann Skin Type will give you beautiful, plump, radiant, clear and smooth skin.

All you have to do is shop for products using your Baumann Skin Type.

Take the Quiz

which of the 16 skin types are you?

Skin Slugging and Jello Skin

Skin slugging is another beauty trend used to hydrate skin and give you Jell-o skin. You can learn more about skin slugging at this blog. I also discuss slugging on our YouTube Channel @SkinTypeSolutions.

What Skin Care Products Will Give Me Jello Skin?

You do not need a facial to get jello skin. You can get jello skin at home by using products with glycosaminoglycans in them such as hyaluronic acid and heparan sulfate.

ISDIN Hyaluronic Booster 10 Ampoules

$46.00

Add to Cart

ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate

$100.00

Add to Cart

ISDIN Instant Flash

$40.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$39.99

Add to Cart

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$20.99

Out of Stock

ClarityRx Daily Dose of Water Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum

$80.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Get Balanced Probiotic Serum

$78.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Take It Easy Calming Serum

$76.00

Add to Cart

Filorga HYDRA-HYAL Intensive Hydrating Plumping Concentrate

$69.00

Out of Stock

ISDIN Flavo-C Ultraglican Ampules

$46.00

Out of Stock

ISDIN Hyaluronic Booster 10 Ampoules

$46.00

Add to Cart

ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate

$100.00

Add to Cart

ISDIN Instant Flash

$40.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$39.99

Add to Cart

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$20.99

Out of Stock

ClarityRx Daily Dose of Water Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum

$80.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Get Balanced Probiotic Serum

$78.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Take It Easy Calming Serum

$76.00

Add to Cart

Filorga HYDRA-HYAL Intensive Hydrating Plumping Concentrate

$69.00

Out of Stock

ISDIN Flavo-C Ultraglican Ampules

$46.00

Out of Stock

ISDIN Hyaluronic Booster 10 Ampoules

$46.00

Add to Cart

ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate

$100.00

Add to Cart

ISDIN Instant Flash

$40.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$39.99

Add to Cart

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$20.99

Out of Stock

ClarityRx Daily Dose of Water Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum

$80.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Get Balanced Probiotic Serum

$78.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Take It Easy Calming Serum

$76.00

Add to Cart

Filorga HYDRA-HYAL Intensive Hydrating Plumping Concentrate

$69.00

Out of Stock

ISDIN Flavo-C Ultraglican Ampules

$46.00

Out of Stock

Humectants that pull water into the skin and plump it are what you need to raise your G’ and get skin plumped enough with water to feel like jello. Only humectants can do it. Glycosaminoglycans like heparan sulfate found in this Sente Dermal Repair Cream or hyaluronic acid serums followed by a barrier repair moisturizer is the fastest path to jello skin.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected